Head shops not welcome
Related Articles
Wednesday March 03 2010
THE message was clear at the Drogheda Borough Council meeting on Monday; 'head shops are not welcome in the town' and 'it's two down, one more to go'.
One of the shops has closed, one has been issued with notice to close, with one remaining open.
The main notice of motion passed by the council members was put forward by Cllr Paul Bell.
It was agreed to call upon the Minister for Health and Children to pass legislation for the purpose of regulating the so-called head shops and their products, in order to protect consumers from the dangers of 'legal highs'.
'I know legislation is due this summer, but I think it is vital the products these shops are selling are assessed to monitor their dangers,' said Cllr Bell.
'We need to look across the water and see how they have addressed these problems in the UK and other countries, and I would like to see local councillors putting pressure on the Government to bring about the legislation.'
Cllr Kevin Callan said he was satisfied with the outcome of the past week, which saw one shop close its doors, and another due to shut.
'Following the Joint Policing Committee ( JPC) meeting, I contacted the landlords of the so-called head-shops, and some have families and children, and were very concerned,' he said.
'Two thirds are now gone, and I would appeal to the landlords of the last one to reassess, and also to all landlords to check what type of business is going in to their empty premises.'
Concern was also expressed by many councillors at the lack of control during the planning process.
'We seem to have very little input through planning and very few rights on the council to stop these shops from opening,' he added.
'We need a say in this area, like we have when pharmacies and GPs surgeries are applied for, and landlords need to be wary when people apply for
- Alison COMYN
